Private Subscribers (Sales Promotion Calls)

HC Deb 12 May 1965 vol 712 cc514-5

23. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to private telephone subscribers by their being importuned by the sales efforts of dance schools, &c.; and if he will take steps to protect subscribers from this nuisance.

Mr. Joseph Slater

My right hon. Friend is aware that the telephone is sometimes used to promote the sale of goods and services and that some people object to receiving such calls. It would not, however, be appropriate for him to attempt to restrict this practice, nor has he power to do so.

Mr. Shepherd

Does not the hon. Member think that that is a most unsatisfactory Answer? Is not this mass importuning an unreasonable intrusion upon people's privacy? Does not he agree that since the newspapers have cleared out their questionable advertisers more and more firms will follow this line? Will he not look at the matter again?

Mr. Slater

I am aware of the interest that the hon. Member has shown in this matter for some time. I can appreciate his feelings about it. I agree that people dislike having their privacy disturbed in this way. But the House will agree that it would be wrong for my right hon. Friend to seek powers which would have the effect of enabling him to dictate the purposes for which a telephone may or may not be used. We must rely upon the people who receive these calls handling them in the way they think best.

Mr. Abse

Is my hon. Friend aware that this practice has spread even to conservative newspapers in Wales who are using the telephone for this purpose? Does not he think that it is not a question of what the receiver does, but that it is an impudent invasion of privacy that people should have to go to the telephone, since they have no option in the matter? Will he take this question as seriously as some States in America, have done, where this is regarded as an invasion of a personal right?

Mr. Slater

My right hon. Friend does not seek to run away from his responsibilities in the Department in which he is now operating. Whoever is rung up by these people—whether he be a Member of Parliament or anyone else—has the alternative of ringing off.